'Explosive' growth planned for downtown Raleigh retail

RALEIGH (WTVD) -- One thing people have wanted more of in downtown Raleigh is retail. In the last few weeks, ABC11's Anna Laurel found some new stores with really unique things brought in from around the world.

A new report shows an explosion of growth is planned for Raleigh. Anna Maria Munoz is one of the first tenants at the new "L" building off McDowell and Davie downtown. Her "Port of Raleigh" store showcases functional, design driven pieces.

"I just saw the opportunity to bring something different and bring something that based on the experiences we have living abroad and traveling," Munoz said. "I wanted to bring that here and it just felt like the right time to do it."

Munoz is part of a new crop of retailers opening downtown. According to The Downtown Raleigh Alliance's latest economic development report, eight new street-level retailers opened at the end of 2015. At least 17 more are scheduled to open this year.

The biggest challenge for these stores is letting people know they can come downtown and truly shop. null